Celebrate Black History Month

February is Black History Month and Bonham offers many events celebrating the achievements of the Black community in Bonham.February 4th at 2pm

“THE ROLE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY DURING WORLD WAR I“
with GUEST SPEAKER: DR. LILA RAKOCZY
of the TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
featuring MUSIC and REFRESHMENT
at theSAM RAYBURN MEMORIAL VETERANS CENTER
AUDITORIUM (LOCATED IN BLDG # 3)
1201 E 9TH STREET, BONHAM, TX 75418

sponsored by

Black History Celebration for 2017

The theme of this year’s event is the Role of the Black Community of Fannin County in World War I.

Roy Chaffin, one of the World War I soldiers from Fannin County

The United States entered World War I (then known as the Great War) in April 1917. Over the next two years commemorations of the centennial will be taking place all over the United States. The Black History event for 2017 will be the first event in Fannin County as part of this commemoration.

We are very fortunate to have as our speaker Dr. Lila Rakoczy, Coordinator of the Military Sites Program of the Texas Historical Commission in Austin Dr. Rakoczy has conducted extensive research on World War I experiences of East Texas African Americans, both those who served in the military during the war and African Americans on the home front.

Dr. Rakoczy will speak and present a powerpoint presentation with wonderful photographs.

In addition to her presentation, there will be music as well as refreshments after the formal presentation with time for sharing with friends.

Mark this date on your calendar and join us for a very interesting and enjoyable afternoon.

About Dr. Lila Rakoczy:

Dr. Lila Rakoczy is a military and public historian/archaeologist with degrees from King’s College London and the University of York. Her professional background includes six years in Britain’s museum sector, as well as three years as a Visiting Assistant Professor of History at Sam Houston State University. Her current role as the project director for No Man’s Land: East Texas African Americans in WWI (nmltx.org) has resulted in the identification of over 11,000 African American men from East Texas who served in the U.S. military during the First World War. She is currently the state coordinator for the Texas Historical Commission’s Military Sites Program and resides in Austin.

Here is a list of Black Soldiers from Fannin County and the cemetery they are located in:

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